"With You with me, facing tomorrow
Together I can learn to fly
Feels like I'm living in a lion's mouth
But the lion is an angel"

- "Lion" by Rebecca St. James

Chapter 41

"I'll destroy you even without my Egyptian god card, Wheeler!" Kaiba shouted. He and Joey faced off against each other, ready for their duel.

"Take your best shot, Kaiba!" Joey shouted back.

"Trust me, it won't take my best to defeat an amateur like you."

"Then take your worst shot for all I care, tough guy! Alright, let's do this! I got a duel to win."

"I don't think I've never seen Joey look this confident before, guys," Duke said from the sidelines.

"That's true," said Yami. "Joey has certainly come an extremely long way to get where he is today. He knows he can win. He's done well. Even Marik quivered in fear when faced with Joey's skills. With everything Joey's learned from this Battle City tournament, I'd say he has a good chance at finally defeating Kaiba."

"I'm sure he can," I agreed.

"Yeah!" said Tristan. "And earning the respect he deserves from that stuck up punk!"

Samia, please, Marik suddenly said in my mind. Take me to my sister.

Huh? Ishizu? I said. Why?

I need to tell her something. And then I need your help.

Help with what?

Confronting my dark side.

My body went rigid with fear. W-What? Are you serious?

Yes. I need to speak to him through you. It will be alright. He can't send you to the Shadow Realm.

Maybe not, but he can kill me.

I won't let that happen.

I don't see what you can do about it.

Just trust me, alright? We'll have Ishizu as backup it will be fine.

I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Alright, fine. Let's go. I hesitate as I look at my friends, who are all focused on the duel. Maybe I should tell Yami...

No. He'll stop you. Please, I need to fix this.

I held in a sigh. Okay. I looked around to make sure no one was watched and then headed out of the area. I spotted Ishizu walking down the steps of the ship as soon as I got outside. She stopped and looked at me in surprise.

Repeat everything I say. I need to speak to her directly.

Alright.

"The time is near, Ishizu!" I said, repeating the words Marik told me in my mind.

"Samia!" Ishizu said. "Are you all right? You seem a bit lost."

"It's Marik," I said in my own voice. "The good Marik. He's in my head, and he wants to talk to you."

Ishizu gasped. "Marik! It's been so long since you last appeared to me. You have been safe?"

I nodded. "I've kept him safe." I paused. "It's going to be him speaking now, alright? He wishes to speak with you directly."

"I understand. Go ahead, Samia."

I took a deep breath and listened to the message Marik wished to convey. "I have learned the truth about our past. While I was with Samia, I listened to you tell the story of our family and the emergence of the evil within me. I never knew that I was the one who killed our father... and her parents." My voice broke a little at the last bit, both from my own emotions and Marik's regret.

"Yes, but-"

"I know. It was the evil force within me that committed the act, so you came here to save me from myself. Despite everything I've done in my quest for power, you've had faith. You knew there was still good within me. However, that good is almost completely extinguished now." I winced at his words, not wanting to believe them. Yet, I could feel it myself.

Ishizu gasped. "Oh, no! If the evil force defeats the pharaoh in the final battle, you will be gone forever, and the entire planet will suffer greatly!"

"Well, I can't allow one duel to decide the fate of the whole world. The time has come for me to step in and reclaim my body, sister!"

"But how?"

"I don't know, but I must banish that evil before it's too late! There's just too much at risk."

Ishizu shook her head. "No! It's far too dangerous! For you and for Samia."

I hesitated. "I'll be fine," I said in my own voice. "I want to help Marik. If we can stop this evil..."

"This isn't how it's meant to be done."

"It doesn't matter. I can't rely on fate, and neither can Marik." I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I'm not afraid anymore."

Ishizu looked at me in astonishment. "Samia..."

"If you're worried about me, come find in a bit and give me backup. Just give us a chance first." I paused as Marik spoke to me again. "Marik says to take care of Odion." With that, I turned and fled to the Duel Tower.

"Marik! Don't go! Please! Marik! Come back!"

I ignored her as I headed to the Duel Tower. Are you sure he'll be here? I asked Marik as I took the elevator up.

Yes, said Marik. I can sense it.

Alright. I exited the elevator and quietly crept forward. Then I saw him. Dark Marik had his back to me, and I sensed his frustration about something.

"I must discover what happened up here today," he said, not noticing my presence. "When the two Egyptian gods clashed, something was released. The force created by these two behemoths caused my Millennium Rod to activate! According to the pharaoh, he and Kaiba were shown a vision of the past. But what did they see? And why is my Millennium Item serving anyone but me? Only I should control the Millennium Rod!"

Don't tell him we saw the vision as well, Marik said.

I wasn't planning on it, I said. I am glad I have not been spotted yet.

Dark Marik glared at the Millennium Rod. "I command you to obey me now! Hear me? Show me the ancient images that you showed the pharaoh and Kaiba!" I felt nothing from the Rod. He growled and flung it across the floor.

Pick it up, Marik said.

I hurried approached the Millennium Rod and picked it up. I felt the usual surge of magic along with a hint of darkness. Got it.

It is time. Marik appeared before me in spirit form. You should be more careful with this.

Dark Marik turned around, eyes narrowed. "Pardon me?"

"It's over," I said with a voice more confident than I sounded. I held the Millennium Rod out in front of me.

Dark Marik took a cautious step back. "Samia. The Millennium Rod only obeys me."

"Then why are you backing away?" I moved forward, and he moved away. I kept going until I had him backed up to the railing of the Duel Tower. "Besides, I have its true owner with me."

That's right, Marik said, materializing in front of me.

Dark Marik narrowed his eyes. "Hmm. So, you're still hiding inside this girl? How sad."

Yes. And it's my responsibility to stop you.

"Is that so? Don't you realize that you don't exist anymore, Marik? I occupy your body now!"

I know, and I've returned to reclaim it from you!

"And I'm here to help," I said, still pointing the Millennium Rod at Dark Marik.

Dark Marik appeared amused. "I'm afraid you're too weak now! And so is this girl. Marik, I'm the real you, and you're nothing but a small piece of my memory... thanks to Odion. Because of his accident, I was able to emerge again!"

Marik sighed. Odion... I felt his immense sadness, and I looked at him in sympathy.

Suddenly, Dark Mark roughly pushed me, and I lost my hold on the Millennium Rod. "Ha ha ha!" he laughed. He snatched the rod from me and pushed me against the railing.

No! Marik cried.

"I told you you were too weak!"

I grit my teeth as my mind raced. "Stay back!"

"Ha ha ha!" Dark Marik laughed again. "I don't think so, little girl." He smirked at the fading form beside me. "Sorry, Marik, but it's time for me to banish what's left of you Into the shadows, where you belong. Ha ha ha! I'm afraid there's nowhere left for you to run now." He held up the Millennium Rod.

You won't get away with this! Marik growled.

"You're in no position to make threats. I drove you out once... Now it's time to finish the job. Ha ha ha!"

That's what he thinks! Marik said. Hey, over here. He appeared behind Dark Marik, distracting him. I used the opportunity to elbow him in the stomach and then dart to the side.

Dark Marik growled as he advanced on me. "You're just prolonging your demise! Don't worry; you'll be next, Samia. But first, my other half!" He raised the Millennium Rod as he moved in close. "Good-bye!"

"Whoa!" I cried, feeling a surge of magic strike me. I could not resit and fell to the ground on my back. "Marik, no!" He was being destroyed from within me, and I felt his pain as my own. "Aah!" I realized my own energy was being zapped as I was powerless to resist the Millennium Rod taking my friend from me.

"You're nothing without Odion to protect you! It's time to end our little game. You'll never meddle in my affairs again! Ha ha ha!"

Marik groaned as he slowly faded. Samia, you've got to stop him. Help the pharaoh.

No! I said, my teeth clenched in pain. You must hold on!

I... can't...

Dark Marik smirked. "It's over! Ha ha ha!"

Suddenly, Ishizu stood in front of me, blocking Marik and me from the Millennium Rod. "Stop this at once!" she said in a hard tone.

"Huh? Stay out of this, Ishizu!" Dark Marik growled. "This doesn't concern you! Then again, I could banish you both. Ha ha ha!"

"Be gone! You're not my brother!"

Sister... Marik murmured. It's too late! Tell her, Samia.

I swallowed hard. "M-Marik says it's too late."

Ishizu gasped. "What?"

I listened to Marik for a moment. My voice shook as I relayed the message. "He says he has grown weak. Stop his dark side... but forget him." A tear slipped down my cheek. No, Marik.

I'm sorry, Marik whispered, and then he faded from my mind.

"He-He's gone!" I managed to get out before I broke down in sobs. "Marik's gone!"

"Oh no, Marik!" Ishizu cried.

"I'm the only Marik now!" Dark Marik proclaimed. "I occupy his body, Ishizu. Now it's time for you to go!" He held up the Millennium Rod, and I winced when I felt its power activate. I was too tired and weak to do anything. "Prepare to reunite with your father in eternal darkness! Ha ha ha! I'm going to enjoy this immensely. And you're next, little Samia. The Rod may not work on you, but I can still kill you. You should be happy I'm allowing you to join your parents."

"No..." I said weakly.

"Hold on!" Yami shouted. I barely managed to lift my head to see him running towards us.

"Huh?" said Dark Marik. "Look at this... I'm quite popular today."

"Samia!" Yami looked at me in worry.

"I... I'm just tired," I said.

Yami's gaze hardened, and he looked at Dark Marik. "All right... This has gone far enough, Marik."

"Ahh. Welcome, pharaoh," said Dark Marik. "Our battle will begin sooner than I thought." I felt an immense energy build up from both of them. Then, suddenly, it faded. "On second thought... I don't want to end this just yet. That would be too easy, pharaoh. And I have something more fun in mind. Ha ha ha! So until then, good day. When we next meet, your power will be mine! Ha ha ha!" Then he turned and walked away.

Samia! Yugi cried, standing beside me in spirit form. Are you alright?

Yami knelt down beside me. "Samia?" he said in a gentle voice.

"Samia's been through quite a bit, but she should be fine soon," Ishizu said. "She needs to rest."

"But why would she have come here in the first place?"

"I tried... to help... Marik..." I said. "I couldn't... save... him... I'm... sorry..." My eyes started to droop, and it was a struggle to stay awake.

"Samia!" Yami scooped me into his arms and held me to his chest.

"Let's find a more comfortable place for her," Ishizu said. Yami nodded and began to walk with her.

"But... Marik..." I groaned.

"His good side still lives. I can sense it. A piece of him still lives within his own body."

"Good." I allowed my exhaustion to take me. Before I fell into unconsciousness, I heard Ishizu warn Yami:

"But soon, he could be gone forever!"

I did not open my eyes when I awoke. I heard Yami and Ishizu talking, and I did not want to disturb them. Neither of them noticed my consciousness. It felt like I was in a bed. This was probably Yugi's room.

"The good Marik is weak," Ishizu said. "And he'll grow weaker with every passing second until the shadows engulf him. Please, pharaoh, don't allow the evil within my brother to prosper. You can destroy it by defeating Marik in your next duel and stopping him from gaining your power!"

"I will," said Yami.

"Thank you, my pharaoh. I know that you will prevail. You have to. Otherwise the world will crumble."

"I promise you, I shall save the world from Marik's evil, Ishizu! And save your brother from himself. I just hope that defeating him will also reverse the damage that's been done."

"So do I."

There was a lull in the conversation, so I opened my eyes and tried to sit up. "Samia!" Yami said anxiously. He sat on the bed and allowed me to lean against him. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine," I said. "Just drained." I looked at Ishizu. "What happened? I thought the Millennium Items didn't work on me."

"You were not affected by the Millennium Rod directly," Ishizu said. "Marik was a part of you, so when his dark side tried to get rid of him, your empathic abilities allowed you to feel what he felt. Do not worry. You will suffer no lasting effects. You were simply drained of energy."

"Oh, like during a duel. This does seem similar to the effect the the Egyptian god monsters have on me."

"Yes. I suggest you rest here until you're recovered."

I was about to agree when I realized something. "I can't!" I looked at Yami. "I need to be at your duel."

Yami hesitated. "You should listen to Ishizu. You don't have the strength."

"But we're supposed to do this together."

Yami let out a heavy sigh. "I know, but I cannot risk your health."

"Perhaps there is a way," Ishizu said thoughtfully. "Pharaoh, you may be able to share some of your energy with her like she is able to do with your. Your bond works both ways."

I brightened at the idea. "Yes, let's try it!" I hesitated. "Just don't drain yourself. You're going to need your strength."

Yami smiled at me. "Don't worry. I can spare a little energy." He glanced at Ishizu. "What do I need to do?"

"Touch her and focus on sharing your power with her," Ishizu said softly.

Yami nodded. "Alright." He looked down at me with a gentle expression. He lightly touched my cheek. "This is for you, dear one." I felt something connecting both of us, but I did not feel very different. "Is it working?"

"A little bit, maybe?"

Yami's eyebrows furrowed. "It's not enough."

"You may need to get more personal," Ishizu said. "This ability comes from your bond. Lean into your feelings, and let them guide your touch."

"My feelings, huh?" Yami looked at me intently. His emotions were intense and all over the place, and I was too exhausted to sort out what they meant. "I think I have an idea... if this is alright." He leaned down until his face was near mine.

My heart began to beat rapidly. "What are you-" I stopped myself. "It's alright."

Yami's emotions grew warm and caring, and it showed in his eyes. "You know you mean a lot to me, right? I want to help you." He put a hand on the back of my head to hold me close to him.

I smiled as I felt my own happiness rise. "I feel the same way."

Yami smiled back at me. Then he leaned in even closer and brushed his lips against mine. I immediately felt a spark. Then it was like I was being filled with something amazing. I closed my eyes he continued to kiss me. A euphoric feeling engulfed me, and I didn't want it to end. I instinctively reached up to touch him as well. I had never felt so connected to him. It was almost like we were one.

He finally pulled back, gazing at me with a soft expression. "H-How was that?"

It took me a minute to formulate a response. I felt something stir inside me. I wanted to say that felt wonderful and I wanted to do it again, but I knew what he meant. "I feel great." I stood up just to show him. I felt power course through my body. It was like every nerve was alive. "I've never felt better." I grinned at him.

Yami stood up as well, smiling as relief. "Good. I am glad. If you're up for it, how about we see if we can catch the end of Joey's duel?"

I nodded. "Alright, let's go."

"I will see you both at the next duel," Ishizu said.

"Thank you, Ishizu," Yami said. He smiled as he took my hand and led me out of the room.

The feeling of his hand in mine made me happy, and I felt more comfortable with him than I ever had before. Yugi seemed amused about something, but the three of us said nothing as we made our way to the duel sight. Yami let go of my hand as soon as we arrived, suddenly tense.

"This doesn't look good," he said, and I had to agree. Kaiba had two dragons on the field facing off against Joey's one dragon, and it was his turn.

"I'd never let a hack like you defeat me!" Kaiba declared. "Twin-Headed Thunder Dragon, attack his Thousand Dragon now!"

"He's my last hope!" Joey cried. I winced when the dragon was destroyed.

"Now for your life points. Blue-Eyes White Dragon, attack him directly, and wipe him out!" I clenched my fists as Joey's life points ran out. Kaiba appeared very smug, "Looks like I win." Joey fell to his knees in shock. "That's right. Bow down in defeat!"

"You did it, Seto!" Mokuba cheered. "Hey, Joey, you did okay, but you're still no match for my brother, right, Seto?"

"Out-dueling Joey Wheeler is no cause for celebration. I could have beaten him blindfolded. What a waste of my time." Kaiba turned to leave.

Joey stood up and glared after him. "Hold on, Kaiba!"

Kaiba stopped and looked back at him. "Re-lax. Wheeler, can't you just let it go? It's over."

"No! It's not over, Kaiba! It's never over. Not for me, anyway. You may have beaten me in this duel, and you may even beat me in the next duel, too, but I'm gonna keep comin' back until I win, Kaiba! That's cause Joey Wheeler doesn't give up!"

"You'll never have the skills to defeat me." Kaiba resumed walking, and Mokuba scrambled behind him.

Joey's anger flared. "Oh, yeah? I'll show you some skills, ya stuck up punk!" He started after Kaiba, but Tristan and Duke pulled him back.

"Forget him, Joey!" said Tristan.

"Yeah, he's not worth the effort, man!" said Duke.

Joey relaxed. "You guys are right! I dueled my best out there. And I made that rich boy sweat a few times, too!"

"Yeah, let's go!" Tea said, and we all started walking towards the Duel Tower.

"Anyway, Yug," Joey said while we walked, "what's the big idea walkin' out on me when I needed ya?"

"It's not what you think, Joey," said Yami.

"Sorry," I said.

"Don't worry about it, guys," said Tristan. "Joey got his butt kicked. The only thing you missed was seeing Kaiba make the poor guy squirm."

"Come on, Tristan, Joey did a pretty good job," Duke said. "Kaiba just did a much better job, that's all! You'll get him next time."

"Or the time after that," said Tea.

"Look, can we just drop it?" Joey said with a hint of annoyance. "Let's all focus on Yugi, alright? He's about to fight the duel of his life against that evil freak, Marik!"

"You mean Marik's dark side," I said.

"Yeah, whatever."

I paused with Yami at the bottom of the Duel Tower. I lightly touched his arm, giving him a feeling of hope. "You are going to do this. I believe in you."

Yami gave me a small smile in return. "Thank you, Samia." Then we headed into the elevator to ride to the top of the tower.

Dark Marik awaited us at the top. Joey immediately glared at him and said, "Marik! You have no idea who you're messin' with!" He turned to Yami. "Just be careful out there, Yug. And remember, this nutcase plays by his own rules. Yeah, just think of Mai. Havin' her in the Shadow Realm's bad enough, but if you beat this freak, Yugi, you'll save Mai - not to mention the entire world!"

Yami nodded. "I'll do my best." He stepped onto the field.

"Raise the platform!" Roland said. "The final duel of the Battle City tournament Is about to begin!"

"Hold on, Yugi!" Kaiba said as he exited the elevator with Mokuba and Ishizu. "I've got something you need!"

Yami looked at him with interest. "Really? And what's that, Kaiba?"

"Take this!" Kaiba flung a card at Yami, which he caught. I sensed something from Kaiba, but I was not sure what it was. Was he... trying to help him? This was an interesting development.

What is it? I asked Yami.

His Fiend Sanctuary Magic Card, Yami said. Why did he give it to me? He said it was something I'll need. But can I trust him?

"Use it wisely," Kaiba said.

"What is the meaning of this, Kaiba?" said Yami.

"That's for you to figure out! Yugi, if you want to win this duel, you'll use that card... Instead of counting on the support of your little fan club."

By giving you that card, he is asking you to rely on a friend's help, I pointed out.

As long as he is being truthful, said Yami.

I don't think he would sabotage the final match of his own tournament like that.

"What does that mean?" Tristan exclaimed. "Doesn't he get that we're all fighting the same enemy?"

"He did give Yugi that card," said Duke.

"Yeah, but I don't trust him," said Joey. "If I were you, I'd toss that card right off the tower, Yug!"

I don't sense any ill intentions from him, I said. I believe you can trust him.

"Look, Yugi," said Kaiba. "No one said you had to use the card, so feel free to give it back."

Alright, said Yami. I'll trust him. He shuffled the card into his deck.

"No!" Joey shouted. "What are you doing, Yug?"

"Kaiba..." said Yami. "We may not always agree... But I still trust you."

"Attention!" Roland said. "The last duel's about to begin... Duelists, prepare your cards! Marik Ishtar will face Yugi Muto, and the winner will receive the Battle City crown!"

"Pharaoh, I have been waiting for this moment for my entire life!" Dark Marik bellowed. "Soon your infinite power will be mine."

"Marik, not only will I defeat you... I'll free you from the darkness that controls you!" Yami declared.

Dark Marik laughed. "Now that I'd like to see. So, come and get me!"

"Duelists," said Roland. "Please cut and shuffle your opponent's deck." Yami and Dark Marik approached each other and handed the other their deck.

Dark Marik laughed again. "Yes! Shuffle well, pharaoh, and hope with all of your soul that Ra ends up on the bottom!" They finished and returned to their own sides of the field.

"Marik... Destiny's on my side today!" said Yami. "The whole world is counting on me!"

Dark Marik continued laughing. "Your foolish confidence shows me that you have no comprehension of the true horror that awaits you in this duel."

"Yugi, don't listen to him!" Tea shouted.

"Yeah, he's just trying to psych you out, Yugi!" said Tristan.

"Wipe the floor with him!" said Joey.

"Duelists, take your places!" said Roland.

I took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. "This is it..."

"I will defeat you, Marik!" Yami said.

"I'd like to see you try," said Dark Marik.

"Commence dueling!" Roland announced.

Dark Marik laughed. "Let the fun begin... Now!"

I gasped when darkness engulfed the Duel Tower. Oh no..."

"I should have seen this coming!" Tristan said.

"Oh, no, it's another Shadow Game!" said Tea.

"Hang in there, Yug," said Joey.

Dark Marik cackled. "Now then... You've witnessed several of my Shadow Games before, but this one will be different. I've thrown in a few twists especially for you! Now, pharaoh, it's time to reveal the first of my surprises for you."

An hourglass suddenly appeared floating overhead, and Mai was trapped inside! "What's going on?" Yami said in alarm.

"Please, help!" Mai cried.

"See someone familiar, do we?" said Dark Marik. "It's your dear friend Mai slowly slipping into the shadows. Once our duel ends, she'll be gone!"

"No!" Yami exclaimed. "I won't let this madness continue, Marik!"

Dark Marik laughed. "I'm afraid it gets worse. She's not the only one who's in danger here."

"Why's that?"

"Just as I said... I have several surprises in store for you today. Are you ready? Meet my next victim!"

I gasped. "No!" Yugi appeared floating next to Yami, his wrists and ankles bound. Dark Marik cackled evil.

"Huh? What?" Yugi said in confusion.

"Yugi!" Yami shouted.

"Do you understand what's at stake now?" Dark Marik said gleefully. "Lose the duel, and Yugi goes to the Shadow Realm!"

Yami glared at him. "Marik! This is about you and me, so leave him alone."

"That's not true. You're forgetting my weaker half! He's involved in this conflict as well.

The good Marik appeared next to Dark Marik, bound as well. "No, Marik!" I cried.

"So, if I lose, the shadows will take him!"

"No, you can't!" Yami shouted.

"I just did! The Shadow Realm will claim an innocent soul no matter who wins!"

What am I supposed to do? Yami asked in frustration. If I win, the good Marik will be the sacrifice.

My heart twisted in pain. I knew what I needed to tell him. If that happens, it's Dark Marik's fault, not yours. You have to beat him. Besides, do you really think he'll spare Marik if he wins? He'll get rid of him anyway. He's just trying to cause you pain.

Yes, I suppose you're right.

Dark Marik smiled wickedly. "Now, let's duel!"